Hearing Test System Using Musical Notes for Threshold Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human hearing tests, such as pure tone audiometry and categorical loudness scaling, face inaccuracies near the hearing threshold and are susceptible to malingering, with subjects perceiving maximum sound levels differently across frequencies, leading to false assessments and subject fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A human hearing test method and system that uses musical notes instead of pure tones, adjusting sound levels based on subject responses to reduce bias and detect varying perceptual maximum sound levels across frequencies, incorporating a controller that loads musical notes, generates random numbers to determine octave and frequency bands, and adjusts sound levels accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pure tones are used for hearing threshold testing, then the test can provide quantitative assessment of hearing threshold, but the results become inaccurate near the hearing threshold due to subject response bias and malingering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the test stimulus from pure tones to musical notes. Musical notes contain harmonic structures and temporal variations that make them more difficult for subjects to fake or respond to with bias, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability near the hearing threshold
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adaptive algorithm that mediates between the test stimulus and the subject's response. This algorithm adaptively adjusts test parameters based on subject responses, detecting and compensating for response biases and malingering behaviors, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If categorical loudness scaling is used to assess hearing range, then perceptual assessment across entire hearing range is provided, but the method fails to detect discrepancies in maximum sound level perception across frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hearing range assessment into multiple frequency bands, testing each band separately with musical notes. This segmentation allows the system to detect discrepancies in maximum sound level perception across different frequencies, while maintaining the versatility of comprehensive hearing range assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where subject responses to musical notes at different frequencies are continuously monitored and analyzed. This feedback allows the system to detect and identify discrepancies in maximum sound level perception across frequencies, improving measurement precision while maintaining assessment versatility
3Productivity
If traditional PTA procedures are followed, then hearing threshold can be tested systematically, but subjects become tired and bored shortly after the test starts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stimulus parameter from monotonous pure tones to musically interesting notes with harmonic structures. This makes the test more engaging and less boring for subjects, improving their engagement and willingness to complete the test, thereby maintaining productivity while enhancing ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the test by using musical notes with varying timbres, pitches, and temporal patterns. This dynamic stimulation keeps subjects engaged throughout the test, reducing fatigue and boredom, thus maintaining high completion efficiency while improving subject experience
Data Source
AI summary
A human hearing test method relates to the following procedures: a musical note from a pre-recorded music in a storage device is loaded by a controller; a next test sound is then selected and played randomly from one of the pre-designed octaves and test frequency bands by using a random number and the musical note loaded by the controller; the sound level of the next test sound is then increasing or decreasing determined by a testing subject's last response to the last test sound and its sound level loaded by the controller from the data recorded earlier in the storage device; a next test sound is determined by the corresponding sound octave number and the musical note loaded by the controller from the storage device, and by the sound level of the test sound.